Welcome to Vacuum Wars’ definitive guide to choosing the best Shark upright vacuums! Our selections are based on our own in-depth, independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on cleaning performance, innovative features like Powered Lift-Away and DuoClean technology, and solutions for pet hair and allergy management.
Our recommendations are updated regularly to reflect the latest evaluation results and industry insights, helping you find the perfect Shark upright vacuum to meet your cleaning needs and budget.
Products that have been discontinued, or are frequently out of stock are removed from the rankings.
The addition of 'detect' features—such as Floor Detect and Edge Detect—enhances its usability by automating adjustments for different cleaning scenarios, making it smarter than its predecessors. The Powered Lift-Away feature remains a standout, offering versatility in cleaning reach and method. Although it's on the heavier side and priced at a premium, the comprehensive capabilities and ease of use presented by the Shark PowerDetect justify its position as a leader in the vacuum cleaner market. See full review
Pros:
- Excellent debris pickup
- Advanced 'detect' features
- DuoClean roller system
- Active hair removal
- Powerful suction
- Complete Seal HEPA filtration
- Powered lift-away versatility
- Precise swivel steering
- LED lights for visibility
- Versatile attachment set
- Comparatively heavy
- Pull-forward effect on some carpets
- Less concentrated airflow
The Vertex excels in debris pickup on both hard floors and carpets, thanks to its DuoClean technology which handles large and fine debris with equal prowess. Furthermore, its improved anti-hair wrap system and powered lift-away mode provide excellent versatility for under-furniture cleaning and using handheld configurations. Its performance in various tests, from crevice pickup to handling hair without tangles, underscores its capability as one of the most powerful vacuums tested. See full review
Pros:
- Excellent debris pickup
- DuoClean roller system
- Powerful suction
- Active hair removal
- Complete Seal HEPA filtration
- Powered lift-away versatility
- Precise swivel steering
- LED lights for visibility
- Versatile attachment set
- Some resistance on carpet
The new roller design enhances its carpet cleaning capabilities, making it the best Shark vacuum for deep cleaning carpets yet. It's equipped with advanced features like active hair removal, powered lift-away for versatile cleaning, and a complete seal HEPA filtration system, which effectively traps dust and allergens. The Stratos's power, combined with its innovative design, offers an unrivaled cleaning experience. See full review
Pros:
- Strong suction and airflow
- Excellent crevice pickup
- Superior carpet deep cleaning
- DuoClean technology for versatile cleaning
- Active hair removal
- Complete Seal HEPA filtration
- Powered lift-away
- Precise swivel steering
- LED lights for visibility
- Comparatively heavy
The vacuum excels in deep clean tests, showing its prowess in picking up deeply embedded debris with ease. Additionally, the innovative lift-away mode, combined with the complete seal anti-allergen filtration system, provides versatility and ensures a cleaner environment. With a set of well-designed attachments and improved usability features like LED lights and a longer cord, the Shark Rotator ADV is not just about power but also about enhancing the user's cleaning experience. See full review
Pros:
- DuoClean head with Power Fins
- Excellent deep clean performance
- Anti-tangle roller system
- Lift-away mode for versatility
- Complete seal HEPA filtration
- LED lights on floorhead
- 30-foot long cord
- Lightweight compared to similar models
- Significantly cheaper than competitors
- Noticeable weight on thick carpet
- Self-propelled feature can strain arm
- Lift-away is not powered
The DuoClean PowerFins HairPro technology provides deep cleaning on carpets and direct engagement on hard floors for optimal debris removal. Additionally, the Odor Neutralizer Technology and advanced features like LED headlights and swivel steering enhance the vacuuming experience, making it efficient and user-friendly.
Pros:
- Strong suction power
- Lightweight design
- Lift-Away feature for versatility
- DuoClean PowerFins for deep cleaning
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA technology
- LED headlights reveal hidden debris
- Advanced swivel steering
- Lift-away is not powered
Its well-designed swivel steering and light weight make it incredibly user-friendly, while the HEPA filtration and seal technology ensure that it effectively keeps dust and allergens contained. The Lift-Away feature adds significant versatility, allowing easy transition to cleaning stairs, upholstery, or other challenging areas. With its commendable performance on both carpet and hard floors, combined with a thoughtful attachment set, the NV352 offers exceptional value and functionality, standing the test of time as a beloved model in the vacuum cleaner market. See full review
Pros:
- Strong suction across the vacuum
- Effective on carpet and hard floors
- Lift-Away feature enhances versatility
- Excellent HEPA filtration system
- Lightweight, only 13 pounds
- Superb handling with advanced swivel
- Includes useful attachment set
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Impressive deep cleaning performance
- Lift-away is not powered
- No active hair removal
How to Choose a Shark Upright Vacuum
When selecting a Shark upright vacuum, understanding the range of features across their lineup can help you make an informed decision. Shark’s upright vacuums offer a combination of power, maneuverability, and innovation, with models catering to different needs such as deep carpet cleaning, hard floor care, or tackling pet hair. In this guide, we’ll explore key factors to consider when choosing the right Shark upright for your home.
Prioritize Cleaning Power and Floor Compatibility
Many Shark uprights incorporate advanced cleaning heads designed to perform well across different surfaces. Shark’s DuoClean technology, which features both a soft roller and a traditional brush, excels on hard floors while seamlessly transitioning to carpets. This versatility ensures that the vacuum can pick up fine dust, larger debris, and hair with ease, without needing to swap floorheads between surfaces.
If deep carpet cleaning is a priority, look for a model with high suction and robust airflow—two areas where Shark has consistently performed well in testing. Having strong suction power is also advantageous for above-floor cleaning tasks when using attachments, though it is less critical for hard flooring.
Read more about How Vacuum Wars Tests Upright Vacuums!
Evaluate the Weight and Ease of Use
Weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider with upright vacuums. Shark uprights vary from around 12 to 17 pounds, with lighter models being easier to maneuver. However, lighter vacuums may come with smaller motors, trading off some power.
For those who prioritize maneuverability, Shark’s Powered Lift-Away feature offers a significant advantage. This system allows the canister to detach while keeping the brush roll powered, making it easier to clean under furniture or reach tight spaces. Not all Lift-Away models are powered, so it’s worth verifying whether the feature is available if you plan to use the vacuum for more than just floor cleaning.
Look for Specialized Hair Management Features
Managing pet or human hair is often a key consideration when choosing a vacuum. Many newer Shark models are equipped with anti-hair wrap systems, which reduce the likelihood of hair tangling around the brush roll. These technologies perform significantly better than traditional brush rolls, making them ideal for homes with pets or individuals with long hair.
Pay Attention to Dust Bin Capacity and Maintenance
All Shark upright vacuums feature dust bins that open from both ends, making them easy to empty and clean. While the bin sizes may vary slightly, Shark’s upright models generally offer better-than-average capacity. This is a helpful feature, particularly if you have a larger home that requires frequent cleaning sessions.
Assess Additional Features: LED Lights, Cord Length, and Attachments
Some Shark uprights come with LED headlights on the floorhead, which illuminate hard-to-see dirt, ensuring a more thorough clean. Though this may seem like a small feature, it enhances cleaning accuracy and efficiency.
Cord length can also affect the usability of an upright vacuum. Models with 30-foot cords provide greater reach compared to the standard 25-foot cords, reducing the need to switch outlets frequently.
When it comes to attachments, Shark offers both standard and premium toolsets. Premium sets typically include powered mini-brushes or specialized tools, which can be beneficial for pet owners or those with specific cleaning needs.
HEPA Filtration and Sealed Systems
All Shark uprights feature HEPA filtration with sealed systems, providing exceptional air filtration that traps allergens and dust inside the vacuum. This is especially important for allergy sufferers, as a well-sealed system prevents fine particles from escaping into the air. While not all vacuums on the market offer this level of filtration, Shark makes it a standard feature across their upright lineup.
Balancing Price with Features
When selecting a Shark upright, balancing performance with price is essential. While higher-end models offer advanced features like Powered Lift-Away and anti-hair wrap systems, there are also budget-friendly options that deliver solid performance. Models with fewer bells and whistles may be lighter and easier to handle, making them a good choice for smaller spaces or homes with minimal carpet.
Final Thoughts
Shark offers some of the most well-rounded upright vacuums available, combining advanced features with reliable performance across different price points. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight model for quick clean-ups, a heavy-duty vacuum for deep carpets, or one equipped to handle pet hair, Shark’s lineup has something for everyone.
By focusing on your specific needs—whether it’s suction power, anti-hair wrap technology, or portability—you can find the Shark upright that fits your cleaning routine and makes maintaining your home more efficient.
